Should I buy a Hostel Card?

[snorkelman]

Ok, I want to get this message forum going, so here goes.

Rather than just a question, here is my suggestion.  Let me know if you feel differently.

I have mixed feelings and I am not sure that the youth hostel card is a good buy for everyone.  I suggest researching hostels prior to your trip if possible and try to determine which hostels you would like to stay in for each city that you plan on visiting.  Then look to see what type of hostels the majority are.  Then maybe buy that type of hostel card (there are different types of hostel cards).  My experience has varied and 2 of my trips I had spent more on the hostel card than I would have spent had I not had the card and just paid the small fee at the hostel for not having a card.  Then again, some hostels do not accept you at all during the busy season unless you have the card (but in my experience, that is rare).  Bottom line, I will not ever buy a hostel card again.

['Guest']

sometimes, if you must stay in an HI, then a card isn't an option.  HI tends to be very anal.  so, i try to avoid them.  but, if ya gotta say there, then ya gotta have an HI card!  (sucks, doesn't it?)  

The independent hostels are usually cheaper, more laid back and often better located.  I wish I had learned about independant hostels when i was a student in Europe!  

I used to be so brain washed by the HI machine, I was even on the HI-Council's board in Dallas!    

As a wise traveler recently wrote, "I'm not a fan of ____ you have to join first!"  And HI requires that you join first!     (referring to bestfares.com)

[nitsansh]

I think that HI card should be paid off if you sleep 5-6 nights in HI hostels, and if you go for a long trip of 2-3 months, you'll probably do that... in any case, the cost of card will not break your budget...
Most of the non-HI hostels are in big cities and popular destinations. If you go off the beaten track, you'll hardly find them. In rural areas, except in Scotland and Ireland, HI hostels are often the only option.
You are right that HI hostels tend to be "institutional", with sex segregation, curfew, lockout, and in some remote places you may even have "duty". People who like to party will do better at non-HI hostels.